April 9, 2021
Speaking about the woman who broke into a dinner party to adore Jesus – prostrate before Him, weeping on his feet from joy and relief and perhaps sorrow for sin, drying those tears with her hair, anointing His feet with oil, Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
Note what He doesn’t say: He who is loved little, loves little. Or He who is forgiven little, forgives little. Instead, Jesus makes a direct connection between forgiveness and love. When you truly understand the depth of God’s forgiveness for your rebellion and self-consumption, then you will truly be able to love others without artifice or second-thought.
The Collect for Friday in Easter Week implicitly draws that connection.
“Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Friday in Easter Week – BCP)
